If you have a string instrument of any kind that needs fixing, a mistake you made in building a new instrument that you need to "disappear," or a question about the ethics of altering an older instrument, ask here. Please note that it will be much easier for us to help you decide on the best repair method if you post some pictures of the problem.

I've just started upgrading or polishing and fixing the family's guitars and I am currently working on a Les Paul Replica I had made for me. I am taking out all of the 3rd party gear and putting in some vintage pickups, orange drop Electrics, historic features and authentic peices. My big problem is the bushings that hold the fake bridge in place are too big. When I take them out I will have to fill the gap somehow to make up the difference for the Les Paul bridge. The guys at stewmac said to plug it with a peice of wood but they also said to reach out here and see what kind of ideas MIMF have.

If the spacing of the new bridge is the same, then I think you could plug and redrill new holes, and the flange on the new studs will cover the repair. But I've never dealt with TOM bridges, so take this with a grain of salt.

I don't understand how you can have a "fake bridge" on a guitar that isn't a genuine Gibson. Not that I accord Gibson any kind of immortality or anything. I would be less about trying to use "authentic" pieces and more about trying to use high quality parts that will be the best that guitar can be. Trust me, "authentic Gibson" and "best" are not often the same thing.